Lake Chippewa in Wisconsin is home to a large floating island where locals often have to steer their boats.
The island must be moved almost annually so that it does not float too close to a bridge that provides passage between the eastern and western sides of the lake.
Incredible video footage of the ritual, which takes place almost every year, shows locals working together in their boats to push the island away from the bridge.
It is one of several floating islands in the lake created after the construction of a dam on the Chippewa River in 1923, which flooded 15,000 acres of land, Discover Wisconsin reveals.
The lake’s unique floating islands formed as peat bogs that rose from the land beneath the lake. Over time, vegetation began to grow on these islands and soon an entire ecosystem began to flourish.
Lake Chippewa in Wisconsin is home to a large floating island where locals often have to steer their boats
The island must be moved almost annually so that it does not float too close to a bridge that provides passage between the eastern and western sides of the lake.
Since the lake, also known as the Chippewa Flow, some of the largest floating marshes have split into smaller islands before finally disappearing.
The floating island, which appears to be problematic for local residents, is known as the Forty Acre Bog and is crowned by tamarack larches.
Last year, more than 20 boats had to gather to push the island away from the bridge.
Above is a photo of incredible video footage of the island relocation ritual that takes place almost every year
The lake’s floating islands originated as peat bogs that rose from the land below the lake and formed after the construction of a dam on the Chippewa River in 1923, flooding 15,000 acres of land.
Denny Reyes, a local resident and owner of The Landing Restaurant and Resort, told Northern News Now, “That’s one of the first things you notice when you come here in the morning: Where’s the swamp?”
Greg Kopke, a local homeowner, told the publication that the marsh doesn’t always move. However, if this is the case, it must be moved to the “right place” or residents can expect to try to move it again within a few days.
The Lake Chippewa Flowage website says that although the lake was formed a century ago, “new marshes can form at any time.”
It says: “A phenomenon known as ‘mud bogs’ can occur at any time, but they are most common in autumn.”
The floating island, which seems difficult for locals, is known as the Forty Acre Bog and is crowned by tamarack larches
Last year, more than 20 boats had to gather to push the island away from the bridge
“They either temporarily rise to the surface and then slowly sink back to the ground, or they remain permanently on the surface and eventually develop into plants and trees.”
It adds: ‘[The islands] The size can vary from the size of a parking lot to several hectares.”
To stay updated on the whereabouts of the Forty Acre Bog, the Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association Facebook group was created.
On the plus side, the floating islands are home to several species of animals that are cared for by local wildlife authorities.
And the lake itself is full of attractions and is ideal for fishing trips, boat trips and wild swimming.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
